Vigor is one step closer to securing his position in Tuesday’s Melbourne Cup after two Bendigo Cup runners are likely to withdraw.

Kiwi stayers Gallions Reach and Capecover are unlikely to run in the Melbourne Cup after disappointing runs in yesterday’s Bendigo Cup.

Gallions Reach ran himself out to finish a close fifth however his trainer Richard Yuill stated that although the gelding has improved they are more likely to focus on the Queen Elizabeth Stakes instead.

Alexander Fieldes’ Capecover may not take his Melbourne Cup spot despite pressure from jockey Kerrin McEvoy who believes the gelding could finish in the top six.

Capecover finished three lengths behind Bendigo Cup winner Zupacool as he sat last during most of the race and charged home too late.

Originally ranked 29th on the order of entry, Vigor moved up to 28th place after Speed Gifted withdrew from the Melbourne Cup.

Part-owned by Canberra resident Jason Mathie, the five year old may be moved up to 27th or 26th place if either of the two NZ horses are withdrawn.

Vigor is entered in this Saturday’s Group 1 Mackinnon Stakes (2000m) and although a win would guarantee him a place in the Melbourne Cup, trainer Danny O’Brien is worried that Vigor will not be able to handle a run in both races.

The final acceptances for the Melbourne Cup are due Saturday and O’Brien is hoping that several horses will drop out of contention by then.